Game drives on the open plains. Boat safaris down the Nile. Gorilla trekking in the mountain forests. Balloon safaris with a bird’s eye view. Picnic lunches overlooking the East African vista. No two days on safari are exactly the same, and will vary depending on your customized itinerary and the shifting rhythms of wildlife.
But one thing is for certain: each day holds unforgettable adventure in the heart of Africa. Read on to explore one way that a typical day on safari might unfold.
Early Morning
Greet the day early with a cup of coffee or tea. After a briefing from your guide on what wildlife to anticipate on the morning’s excursion, embark on a game drive in the cool hours of the dawn.
From your all-wheel-drive safari vehicle, search for the loping silhouette of giraffe on the horizon, zebra crossing through the bush, or the family of elephants making their way through the grassy plains. The cooler hours of the day are usually best for game drives; the wildlife is more active before the heat of the day sets in.
Mid Morning
After the excitement of a morning game drive, return to your lodge, where breakfast awaits, including fresh local fruits. After breakfast, enjoy the morning at your leisure. You might peruse photos from the earlier game drive, lounge in the hammock with a favorite book, or freshen up in your room’s private outdoor shower. Relax and enjoy!
Many national parks and reserves also offer bush walks–so if you’re ready for more adventure, lace up your boots and head out in the company of an armed ranger. With the help of your guide, you’ll track smaller herds of animals, explore the landscape, and learn about the traditional and medicinal properties of local plants and herbs within the park borders.
Midday
As the sun rises overhead, the wildlife retreats to the shade. Dine alfresco on the lodge’s terrace for lunch, watching wildlife nearby at the waterhole. Afterwards, refresh with a dip in the lodge’s pool, enjoy a rejuvenating wellness treatment at the lodge’s spa, or venture out with your guide on a cultural visit in the local community.
Late Afternoon
The heat of the day begins to recede, which means it’s time to embark on another excursion in the wilderness.
Depending on your destination, this might mean a game drive through the park, winding around rocky outcrops with lions sunning themselves and open plains with herds of antelope.
Or, it might mean a boat safari, floating down the river on a private boat with your guide as you search for crocodiles scuttling on the banks, kingfishers darting in and out of the water, and hippos cooling off on the riverbanks.
On your return journey, stop and enjoy a drink overlooking the stunning African vista as the sun sets.
Early Evening
Back at the lodge, settle in for a dinner of the finest local specialties and international favorites. Or opt for an intimate bush dinner instead, dining by lanterns under the evening stars in the wilderness, attended to by the warm and welcoming staff at the lodge.
Late Evening
After dinner, relax around the lodge’s campfire, recounting the stories from the day with the sounds of the African wilderness in the background. Later, turn in for an evening’s rest, ready for the next day’s adventures.
Looking for more on planning your safari? Explore our trip planning resources: learn how the process works, see our Frequently Asked Questions, or browse safari itineraries for inspiration.
Every Hornbill safari is customized to meet your travel needs, so contact us to create your own private tour.
